MILLION-PLUS-DOLLAR HOMES ... Palo Alto topped sales of "luxury homes" — those that sold for more than $1.5 million in November, according to Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage — compared to a year ago. Palo Alto sold 35, with Los Altos closely trailing at 33. Homes sold faster (on average 45 days, compared to 57 days a year ago), and sales averaged 101 percent of the asking price, up from 98 percent last year, according to the Silicon Valley Luxury Housing Market Report. The most expensive home sold in Santa Clara County in November was a five-bedroom, seven-bath home in Saratoga that went for $4.65 million. Information: 925-275-3085

IKEBANA IN NEW YEAR ... Thanh Kosen Nguyen will teach "Floral Design with Ikebana" from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Jan. 8 to March 12, at Greendell P2, 4120 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Certified in both Wafu and Sogetsu styles, Nguyen will focus on both traditional and contemporary ikebana. Students should bring sturdy garden scissors, a Pyrex bowl and a large pin frog for practice, along with a $100 flower materials fee payable to the instructor (or bring own flowers). Cost is $70. Information: 650-329-3752 or www.paadultschool.org

RESTORE HABITAT ... On the second and fourth Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., volunteers work with Acterra to restore habitat at the Pearson-Arastradero Preserve (1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto) and local creeks. Gloves, tools, snacks and training are provided. Tasks include removing invasive plants, collecting seeds, spreading mulch and planting native grasses. Wear long sleeves and long pants and bring a hat and reusable water bottle. Information: www.acterra.org/stewardship.